Press reporter Harry Booth joined the 1st Royal Yorkshire Regiment on operation in Kosovo. During his visit, he spoke to soldiers from York about their time in the army.

Six soldiers, all Privates, spoke to The Press in Camp Bondsteel. They were: Ryan Reynolds (Woodthorpe), Robert Rainbeck (Tang Hall), Stefan Owen (Fulford), Joe Lawson (Clifton), Nathaniel Clements (Clifton) and Alexander Courtney (Tadcaster).

"Your expectations are very different to what the reality is, but it doesn't mean that the reality is bad," said Stefan.

Based in Catterick Garrison, Stefan and his fellow soldiers said they expected to spend more time abroad with the army. "We do a lot more of training for the job than the job itself," he added.

For the majority of them, the war in Kosovo ended before they were born.

Camp Fortune, where the British stay inside Camp Bondsteel (Image: Harry Booth)

Joe said: "I feel like we've learned quite a bit about the war and country before we came, and we've been educated whilst we've been here.

"I've learned a lot more about the world than I would've done if I didn't join the army, which is a good thing."

Ryan, whose served in the army for nine years, said he chose the army due to boredom.

He added: "I was bored really, I was just working a nine to five job in York.

The tents in Camp Bondsteel, where the British troops sleep (Image: Harry Booth)

"I feel like a lot of people doubted me at first, but nine years later I'm here.

"I don't really know what I'd do if I left the army now. My original plan was to do four years but obviously that's changed, I'm still here and still enjoying it."

Speaking on how life has changed since joining, Alexander said: "My close mates are used to it now, me going away and coming back all the time. It helped me out quite a lot back when I joined, I've got quite a few things from the army.

"It's a little bit busy because it's all back to back.

A soldier on patrol in Kosovo (Image: Harry Booth)
"I'd recommend it to people who don't know what they want to do in life."

Stefan added:  "I'd also recommend it, but I'd say not to join the infantry, I'd recommend picking up a trade that you can use as a civilian."

Another soldier from the local area was 18-year-old Billy Broadhurst, from Selby. He spoke to The Press while on patrol in the north of the country.

"It's been alright, it's been long. I joined when I was 16 so I had to go to army foundation college in Harrogate for 12 months," he said.

Billy Broadhurst, from Selby (Image: Harry Booth)

"I got into the battalion in January. Since then, I've gone to Oman, loads of exercises around the country and now I'm here.

"It has its good days and bad days. But when it's a good day it's a really good day."

Billy said he misses family during these long operations, but "the benefits of the army definitely outweigh the negatives," he added.

"My mum was a bit scared when I told her I was coming here, but all my family are supportive.

"They're obviously a bit worried but they understand, it's just what I like to do."